Lois Larson
Airport body scanners are advanced imaging devices that detect objects on or inside a person's body for security screening purposes. They use low-dose X-ray or millimetre-wave technology to create detailed images of the individual's body, highlighting any items hidden under clothing or within body cavities. Companies that manufacture airport body scanners include LINEV Systems, Point Security, SafeView (acquired by L3Harris), and Leidos. These companies offer a range of products designed to meet the security screening requirements of airports and other high-security areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Companies | Nuctech Company Limited, VMI Security, Smith Group Plc (U.K.), L-3 Technologies Inc. (U.S.), Rapiscan Systems (U.S.), American Science & Engineering Group, Tek84, SafeView, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Honeywell International Inc., OSI Systems Inc., Thales Group, Bosch, Siemens, Point Security, LINEV Systems |
| Technology | Millimeter wave scanner, backscatter X-ray service, X-ray body scanner, metal-detection portals, advanced imaging technology, explosives trace detection, x-ray baggage screening, explosive detection systems, handheld and portable screening devices |
| Use | Detect objects on or inside a person's body, detect non-metal objects, detect swallowed items, detect items in body cavities, detect contraband, detect drugs, detect chemicals, detect weapons, detect explosives |
| Regions | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Latin America, Africa |
| Market Size | USD 2.35 Billion in 2022, anticipated to reach a CAGR of 9.3% over the assessment period |
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What You'll Learn
- Companies such as Smith Group Plc, L-3 Technologies Inc, and Rapiscan Systems are involved in developing airport full-body scanners
- Airports use X-ray body scanners to detect objects on or inside a person's body
- Millimeter wave scanners are another technology used in full-body scanners
- Airports have implemented body scanners to enhance security measures and identify potential security risks
- The global market for airport passenger screening systems was valued at USD 2.35 Billion in 2022
Companies such as Smith Group Plc, L-3 Technologies Inc, and Rapiscan Systems are involved in developing airport full-body scanners
Several companies are involved in developing airport full-body scanners. These include Smith Group Plc, L-3 Technologies Inc. (formerly L-3 Communications Holdings), and Rapiscan Systems, a subsidiary of OSI Systems.
Smith Group Plc is a British engineering company that operates in over 50 countries and employs more than 23,000 people worldwide. While they have a diverse range of products and services, they are known for their expertise in developing and manufacturing specialized equipment, including security scanners. Smith Group Plc is committed to engineering innovative solutions and has a strong focus on research and development.
L-3 Technologies Inc., now known as L3Harris Technologies after merging with Harris Corporation, has a comprehensive portfolio of products and services. The company supplies advanced technology systems, including those for surveillance and reconnaissance. L-3 Technologies' customers have included government agencies, such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as aerospace and telecommunications industries. Their L-3 ProVision product is a millimeter-wave airport passenger screening system, offering high-precision security control.
Rapiscan Systems, a part of OSI Systems, specializes in security screening and threat detection. They offer a range of products, from cargo and vehicle inspection systems to passenger screening solutions. Rapiscan Systems has received multiple orders from OSI Systems, totaling millions of dollars, for their cargo and vehicle inspection capabilities. Their systems are designed to detect hidden threats, including weapons, explosives, and contraband, ensuring safer air travel.
These companies play a crucial role in enhancing airport security and protecting passengers and personnel. Their advanced technology and ongoing innovations are instrumental in addressing the evolving challenges of security screening in airports and other high-risk environments.
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Airports use X-ray body scanners to detect objects on or inside a person's body
Airports use body scanners to detect objects on or inside a person's body. These scanners use a variety of technologies, including metal detectors, backscatter X-ray machines, millimeter wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray systems. While the use of X-ray technology in airport security has raised concerns about safety and privacy, it is important to note that the doses of ionizing radiation emitted by backscatter X-ray scans are extremely low. In fact, the scan will increase a person's exposure to radiation by less than 1% during a flight.
Millimeter wave scanners, on the other hand, do not use ionizing radiation. Instead, they emit non-ionizing radiation in the form of millimeter waves, which are a type of special microwave. This technology is considered safe, with passengers exposed to 10,000 times less energy than what is permitted by the standard cellphone. Millimeter wave scanners are highly sensitive and can detect both metallic and non-metallic objects, including weapons, drugs, and other contraband. They can also produce high-resolution full-body and torso images, making them useful for drug detection.
Backscatter X-ray scanners, also known as backscatter X-ray machines or systems, utilize very low-dose X-rays similar to those used in medical imaging. They are used to detect threats such as weapons or explosives that may be hidden under clothing or in body cavities. While backscatter X-ray scanners are the more common type in the US, they have faced criticism for their potential safety risks and ineffectiveness in detecting explosives.
Several companies are involved in the manufacturing and development of airport body scanners. These include Smith Group Plc (UK), L-3 Technologies Inc. (US), Rapiscan Systems (US), American Science & Engineering Group, Tek84, Honeywell International Inc., OSI Systems Inc., Thales Group, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Bosch, and Siemens. The market for airport body scanners is growing, particularly in regions with high security threats and criminal activities, such as North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.
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Millimeter wave scanners are another technology used in full-body scanners
Millimeter wave scanners come in two varieties: active and passive. Active scanners direct millimeter wave energy at the subject and interpret the reflected energy. Passive systems, on the other hand, create images using only ambient radiation and the radiation emitted from the human body or objects.
The first millimeter-wave full-body scanner was developed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington. From 2002 to 2006, SafeView, a startup company, developed a production-ready millimeter body scanner system and the necessary software. L-3 Communications acquired SafeView in 2006 and renamed the millimeter-wave whole-body imager as ProVision™.
Millimeter wave scanners are highly sought after due to their high speed, safety, high sensitivity, and 3D high-resolution proficiency. They are also capable of screening concealed objects and potential threats without interrupting the smooth flow of traffic in airports, train stations, customs/immigration checkpoints, and commuter terminals.
However, there have been concerns about the use of full-body scanning technology due to privacy and health risks. In 2013, the U.S. Congress prohibited the display of detailed images and required that only metal and other objects be displayed on a generic body outline.
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Airports have implemented body scanners to enhance security measures and identify potential security risks
Airport security has undergone significant transformations since 9/11, with the introduction of advanced screening technologies to enhance security measures and ensure the safety of passengers. Body scanners have emerged as a critical component of airport security, aiding in the identification of potential security risks. These scanners employ advanced imaging technologies, such as X-ray and millimeter wave systems, to detect objects on or inside an individual's body without physical contact or the removal of clothing.
X-ray body scanners, offered by companies like Point Security and LINEV Systems, generate detailed images that reveal concealed items, including those hidden within body cavities. These scanners are designed to meet security requirements in various settings, including airports, border crossings, and high-security events. They are particularly effective in detecting weapons, explosives, and narcotics, enhancing overall security and efficiency by minimizing wait times.
Millimeter wave scanners, such as those developed by SafeView (later acquired by L-3 Communications, now L3Harris Technologies), offer high speed, safety, and sensitivity in detecting potential threats. They are widely used in airports, train stations, and immigration checkpoints to screen for concealed objects without interrupting the flow of traffic. North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region have emerged as significant markets for full-body scanners, with regulatory mandates and security concerns driving their adoption.
Other notable companies in the airport passenger screening systems market include Honeywell International Inc., OSI Systems Inc., Thales Group, Robert Bosch GmbH (Bosch), Siemens, Smith Group Plc (U.K.), Rapiscan Systems (U.S.), and American Scienice & Engineering Group. These companies invest extensively in research and development to enhance their products' capabilities in detecting explosives and other contraband items. The implementation of body scanners in airports worldwide underscores the commitment to strengthening security measures and addressing potential security risks effectively.
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The global market for airport passenger screening systems was valued at USD 2.35 Billion in 2022
Several companies are involved in the manufacturing and development of airport passenger screening systems, investing significant amounts in research and development to enhance their product offerings. Some of the leading companies in the market include Honeywell International Inc., OSI Systems Inc., Thales Group, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH (Bosch), Siemens, Smith Group Plc, L-3 Technologies Inc., Rapiscan Systems, American Scienice & Engineering Group, and Tek84. These companies offer a range of screening technologies, including metal detection portals, advanced imaging technology, x-ray imaging systems, and full-body scanners.
The airport passenger screening systems market is further segmented into product categories such as passenger screening and carry-on baggage screening. Carry-on baggage screening currently accounts for the majority of the market share. However, the passenger screening segment held the largest revenue share in 2022 due to the increasing demand for efficient and secure screening processes. Airports are investing in advanced technologies, such as full-size Computed Tomography (CT) x-ray devices, to enhance security and improve the efficiency of the screening process.
The technology used in airport passenger screening systems includes metal and explosive detection systems, advanced imaging systems, magneto-static detectors, and full-body scanners. The introduction of millimeter wave technology, which can identify objects concealed under clothing, is expected to drive market growth further. Additionally, the regulatory mandates for installing full-body scanners in Europe and the increasing terrorist activities in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to contribute to the market's expansion.
While the market is growing, there are challenges and restrictions to its growth. High implementation costs, stringent government regulations, operational challenges, and adapting to evolving threats are factors that may hinder the expansion of the airport passenger screening systems market. However, with the increasing air travel and security needs, the future of the market looks positive, with OEMs investing in next-generation passenger screening systems.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several companies that manufacture airport body scanners. Some of the top companies in the airport passenger screening systems market include Honeywell International Inc., OSI Systems Inc., Thales Group, L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (formerly L-3 Communications), Bosch Healthcare, Siemens, SafeView (acquired by L-3 Communications in 2006), Smith Group Plc (U.K.), Rapiscan Systems (U.S.), American Science & Engineering Group, and Tek84.
Airport body scanners typically utilize one of three technologies: millimeter wave scanners, backscatter X-ray, and X-ray imaging. Millimeter wave scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation in the extremely high frequency (EHF) radio band, which has a lower frequency than visible light. X-ray imaging technology is also commonly used in airport body scanners to create detailed images of an individual's body, detecting any concealed objects or threats.
Airport body scanners provide rapid screening, minimizing queues and waiting times while improving security and operational efficiency. They can detect non-metal objects, which metal detectors cannot, making them more effective in identifying potential security risks. Body scanners also address privacy concerns by using generic outlines of scanned individuals rather than nude images.
